On November 21, Yang Guoqiang, the Consul General of People's Republic of China in Chicago, met with Shawna M. Girgis, Mayor of Bedford, Indiana. Both sides enjoyed pleasant talks on economic cooperation and personnel exchanges between local governments.

Yang said there is an enormous potential in China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, especially at the local level. The close exchanges and cooperation between local governments of two countries have become one of the most important imputes to the China-U.S. Relations. In recent years, the Midwest of the U.S. has attracted more and more investment from Chinese companies, because of its high developed economy and friendly investment environment. During the meeting, Yang invited Girgis to visit China at her convenience.

Girgis appreciated Yang's invitation. She said that the city council was considering paying a trip to China next spring. Bedford hopes to expand its cooperation with China at all levels and welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Bedford. Girgis also invited Yang to visit Bedford sometime early next year.